We Asked Designers If Accent Walls Make Your Home Look Tacky—and They Didn’t Hold Back

Accent walls have always been a classic way to add a pop of color to a room, but this method of decorating is as polarizing as it is popular. People either absolutely love or loathe the bold look, and interior designers are no different.

So, are accent walls a stylish, timeless, choice, or a dated home design decision? Spoiler alert: all four of our designers agreed, and their take might surprise you.

The Short Answer? They’re Still Chic, When Done Right

Although interior designer Emily LaMarque is tired of out-of-place walls of bright colors in rooms, she—and all of our other designers—all see a more updated take on accent walls as surprisingly chic.

“A large, boring, painted accent wall that only functions to bring in a different color to the space has had its day,” LaMarque says. “Instead, a beautiful wallpaper in a small nook can create a chic moment in the space.”

LaMarque also firmly believes the key to keeping an accent wall modern and sophisticated is viewing it as an addition to the space, instead of letting it clash with the the design and colors of the rest of the room.

“When considering including an accent wall, make sure your choice contributes to the overall design story, rather than making the accent the main feature,” she adds.

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Think Beyond Paint

Much like LaMarque, nature-inspired home designer Nina Lichtenstein also loves a paint-free accent wall.

“With a plethora of materials available—from rich paint colors to textured wallpapers and reclaimed wood—accent walls can fit in with various design aesthetics, from modern or rustic, to eclectic,” she shares.

Some of her favorite areas to incorporate elements like wood, stone, and wallpaper are around the key features that already catch your eye in a room.

When planning an accent wall for her clients, she assesses the unique aspects of each space, and leans into walls around fireplaces or architectural elements to add even more character.

“This strategy can enhance the overall design of a home, and provide depth and interest to larger spaces that might otherwise feel overwhelming,” Lichtenstein adds.

Tell a Story With Wallpaper

For Soni Mehra, the founder of Marble Lotus Interiors, accent walls are an ideal blend of traditional and modern design.

“Accent walls can be chic when thoughtfully incorporated, adding depth and personality to a space,” Mehra says.

Mehra is passionate about honoring her South Asian heritage through home decor, so she also considers accent walls the perfect canvas for bringing cultural elements into a space that is otherwise influenced by Western interior design and architectural principles.

“I also see an accent wall as an amazing tool for telling your story,” she continues. “In my clients’ homes (and my own!) I like to incorporate elements of heritage such as cultural motifs on wallpapers or hand-painted details to create a rich, meaningful focal point.” 

The Smaller the Space, the Bolder to Go

“I think accent walls are a hundred percent chic,” home designer Dana Lee Calabrese shares. “When they’re done with an unexpected material like tile or a wallpaper that complements the space, they can add depth and visual interest.”

Some of Calabrese’s go-to areas for accent walls are also the most underrated— think recessed nooks, guest bedrooms, bathrooms, and closets.

“I’m a firm believer in going bigger in the small spaces,” she adds. “My biggest piece of advice is to take the most overlooked room or area, and make it the highlight of the house.”

The Final Verdict

Whether you’re a small space dweller, an aspiring maximalist ready to dip your toes into the world of pattern and color, or a lover of wabi-sabi design looking to bring more natural elements indoors, an accent wall can find its place in your home.

As long as you follow a few key design rules, like paying attention to your home’s architecture, drawing from the color palette of the room when selecting wallpapers, and—of course—letting your design style shine, it’s official: this controversial decor move has the seal of approval from this panel of design pros.